He has worked with professionals, members of Déda's academy and students on the BA Honours Dance degree to explore physicality, strength and performance skills.

Déda|Artists Nikki Rummer and JD Brousse recently joined Barely Methodical Troupe on a national tour of 'KIN', after performing at Déda's Symposium on Friday May 13 entitled Crossing Over which was attended by arts professionals from both the dance and contemporary circus sectors.

The aim of the symposium was to explore the relationship between the art forms from the perspective of artist, producer and audience. The symposium also contributed to a new piece of research being funded by The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation which investigates the relationship between dance and circus practice and how the use of narrative translates between the two forms.

Déda celebrates partnership with The National Centre for Circus Arts

Déda is delighted to announce a development in the partnership with leading London training provider, the National Centre of Circus Arts.

Through the Lab:time² programme (in partnership with The National Centre), Déda has offered artists time to research and develop new work in the new purpose built aerial studio on Chapel Street, exploring the synergy between dance and contemporary circus. Both Déda and the The National Centre share the goal of supporting the grass roots development of circus arts across the Midlands and UK; sharing best practice and knowledge to develop training, talent development and artistic programmes. As such, a Memorandum of Understanding has been agreed in order to:

Share best practices developed for circus and dance

Mentor, support and advise management and producer teams

Continued development of training, talent development and artistic programmes for all staff

Support and develop academic and training development practices

Joint programming opportunities to present artists to new audiences, networks and promoters

Share knowledge of dance and circus and provide opportunities for each organisation and/or artists, to engage in new relationships and dialogues

The mutual use of logos to show continued partnership between The National Centre for Circus Arts and Déda

Digital and social media support e.g. promoting call-outs, residencies and commission opportunities

Contribute to Dance and Contemporary Circus Research Programme (supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation) over the next three years

Stephen Munn, CEO and Artistic Director of Déda, explains “Acrobatic duo Nikki & JD have been working with us as part of the Lab:time² programme and it has been a fantastic experience for everyone involved.”

“The National Centre are leaders in the field of artist training and the ongoing association supports our work around exploring the relationship between dance and contemporary circus from the perspective of the artist, producer and audience. I look forward to seeing the opportunities which are created through this exciting collaboration.”

Kate White, CEO of The National Centre for Circus Arts, adds“The National Centre for Circus Arts is delighted to support the growing culture of circus across the UK, including the fantastic work which is happening at Déda. Through Déda’s support of emerging artists, such as Nikki & JD through LabTime², and their exciting programme of circus performance, including both indoor and outdoor work, the venue is developing both artists and audiences in this vibrant and burgeoning art form."

"We are very pleased to continue our relationship with Déda, enabling us both to enrich the artistic landscape for circus companies, as well as the lives of people across the Midlands who enjoy shows and workshops from some of the country’s finest circus talent.”

Watch this space for further artist development programmes and circus opportunities with Déda. This is a truly exciting time as Déda’s vision to combine dance, contemporary circus and outdoor work develops with local, national and international focus.

Acrobatic artists Nikki and JD will be performing as part of a double-bill with Circoncentrique, presented at Déda in partnership with Crying Out Loud, on Saturday 12 November. Tickets will be available soon.